A: The link to the weekly online journal is here. It’s the same link every week. Journals are due every Sunday night. If you submit it after the end of day on Sunday, your Cohort Facilitator will not see it.

Q: I’ve been hearing about this Facebook group. How do I join?

A: To join, just click here and ask to join the group! We approve only those people who are on our MoveOn Resistance Summer roster, so if your Facebook name is different from the name MoveOn has, please let us know when you request to join.

Monthly Actions

Event Guidelines

Q: Can I make fliers to publicize my event as long as they don't show any affiliation to MoveOn (no logo, no links, no allusion to MoveOn)?

A: Yes, you may make fliers to publicize your event. You are authorized to distribute all materials MoveOn provides to you, including through the event dashboard, for use in organizing and putting on your event. MoveOn retains all rights to the computer applications, web applications, database programs and web content files incorporated into or utilized in the site and no one may modify, copy, publish, or transmit those applications, programs, or files without the express prior permission of MoveOn.

In other words, use the materials MoveOn provides for your event. You can make other nonpartisan, nonviolent materials you want to use, but don’t change or copy MoveOn materials on the materials you create, including logos, images, or content.

Q: I intend to, or am considering, running for office myself. I’d like to use monthly actions as an organizing event for my campaign. May I do so?

A: Congrats on your decision (or consideration) to run for office! And no. MoveOn Resistance Summer is nonpartisan, and MoveOn.org Civic Action does not endorse or promote candidates. If a candidate for public office addresses your event, (including you as a host), they should in no way mention or discuss their candidacy.

You must direct the candidate(s) for public office that they may not engage in any campaign activities (discussions of their campaign, organizing, collection of information for use on their campaign, fundraising, and the like) at your event, and you may not engage in those activities either. You can find more information about what you can and cannot do with candidates in this memo.

Q: Is it okay to invite candidates for federal, state, and/or local elections, including nonpartisan elections, to my event?

A: Yes—if you and the candidate agree to some important ground rules. You must direct the candidate(s) for public office that they may not engage in any campaign activities (discussions of their campaign, organizing, collection of information for use on their campaign, fundraising, and the like) at your event.

MoveOn Resistance Summer is nonpartisan, and MoveOn.org Civic Action does not endorse or promote candidates. If a candidate for public office addresses your event, they should in no way mention or discuss their candidacy. If attendees ask the candidate to discuss their campaign, they should say, “Thanks for asking. I’m sorry I can’t discuss the campaign at this time, because this is a nonpartisan event.” You can find more information about what you can and cannot do with candidates in this memo.

Q: Can I hold my event at a Party headquarters? Can a Party ward leader or official come speak at my event?

A: MoveOn Resistance Summer is non-partisan. All Resistance Summer events should maintain a non-partisan tone, focused on the issues facing our country. As long as the guidance above for candidates is followed (no discussion of candidacy or campaigns), a party official may speak at your event and you may hold your event at a Party office. However, we encourage you to select a venue that anyone who may not be affiliated with a party will feel comfortable visiting—a local park, a community center or other public venue, or a private home. You can find more information about what you can and cannot do with candidates in this memo.

July Canvass

Q: I’m excited about the canvassing! When should I schedule my canvass?

A: July’s canvass action should take place between July 18 and July 30. It can be on a weekday or weekend, whichever is easier for you! You should not plan to knock on doors before 10 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m., to ensure we don’t disturb people’s sleep. That doesn’t mean you can’t begin training people at 9 a.m. Make sure you plan for your canvass to start an hour before you actually plan on hitting the doors.

Q: What if I can’t canvass between July 18 and July 30?

A: If you just can’t make it work for one of the national days of action, you can host your canvass on another day in July and recruit your friends to join. However, we ask that you do not schedule your canvass before you have a chance to attend one of our canvass trainings on July 12 or 13. Keep in mind that MoveOn is able to send recruitment emails to only fellow MoveOn members, inviting them to events between July 18 and July 30.

Q: When are the canvass trainings?

A: We will be holding two canvassing trainings: Wednesday, July 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET (8 CT/7 MT/6 PT) and Thursday, July 13 at 5 p.m ET (4 CT/3 MT/2 PT). These calls will go over what your canvassing day should look like and how to stay safe. These trainings will be incredibly important to ensuring your event is a success. Please plan to be on one of these two calls. Here's the link to both trainings: moveon.org/canvass-training

Q: I’m new to canvassing, and I prefer to invite only people I know to participate. Can I do that?

A: Absolutely! Every event host should invite their own friends and neighbors; recruitment is a key organizing skill we are practicing in Resistance Summer. You are welcome to host a “private” event using our event tools and materials. When you list your event you will be asked if you want to make the event “private” or “public”. If you check the “private” box, your event will not be listed publicly on our site, and we will not invite local MoveOn members to attend your event.

Q: I’m an experienced canvasser, and I prefer to host a larger canvass. Can I do that?

A: Absolutely! You are welcome to host a “public” event using our event tools and materials. When you list your event, you will be asked if you want to make the event “private” or “public.” If you check the “public” box, your event will be listed publicly on our site, and we will invite local MoveOn members to attend your event through recruitment emails.

Q: If there are other canvasses near me, do I still have to host my own?

A: Many communities in this country are big enough for more than one canvass! The more events we have, the more opportunities there are for more people to participate. If you’d like to team up with a fellow MoveOn Mobilizer, here’s how:

Look at the map of events on the canvass site. See if there’s an event near you. Click on that event. RSVP to the event.

Once you RSVP, you can send a message to the event host, introducing yourself as a Resistance Summer MoveOn Mobilizer and offering to help out.

If you and the host agree to work together, ask them to promote you to a co-host, which they can do from their Host Dashboard.

Q: I’m running for office. Can I talk about my campaign when I go canvassing as part of MoveOn.org’s month of action?

A: No. You are welcome to knock on doors outside of MoveOn.org, but if you are canvassing as part of the program, please do not identify yourself at the door as a candidate or talk about your campaign.

Q: A candidate for office wants to come distribute literature. Can they do that?

A: No. Under no circumstance can we advocate for or against any specific candidate. These events are focused on listening—all too rare an opportunity. And a good opportunity to gain skills to apply on future canvasses!

August Recess

Q: What is August Recess and why do we try to organize events during this time?

A: Every year during the month of August, Congress goes on recess when representatives and senators leave Washington to return to their home states. Members of Congress frequently use this time to meet with constituents by holding town halls, open meetings, and attending events in their districts. As members of Congress are more accessible, this is a great time to make our voices heard! By organizing, we can put pressure on them to listen to what we have to say, to take definitive stances on issues, and to help ensure they are responsive to their constituents.

Q: How can I find out the events my members of Congress are attending in my area?

A: Check resistancerecess.com. Then check your member's website. Call their district or D.C. office and ask. Check their social media, Facebook and Twitter. Check your local newspaper or any local online publication. Check resources such as https://townhallproject.com/.

Q: What are the types of events I could host/attend during August Recess in my district?

A: This will depend on what is happening in your district and which representatives are in your area, but here are a few:

Q: Should I share any photos or videos from my event online using social media?

A: YES! Telling our story on social medial is how we make sure our work and our message are being shared to the largest audience possible. Take photos and videos. Share on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find compelling ways to tell your story! Always use the hashtag #ResistanceRecess anytime you post! See the social media guide.

Q: If I plan to go to a town hall meeting with people from my district, what should we do there?

A: Ask pointed questions about the issues we care about! Get your member of Congress to take a public stance on an issue such as Medicare for All—have they supported it yet? If not, why not? And if they voted for Trumpcare, why would they vote to take away health care from millions of Americans?

Ex: “We have been out in the community talking with folks about health care over the past month, and we want to know how you could vote for a bill that would take health care away from millions of Americans?”

Document the event using video. Be sure to record anything that your member of Congress says, so that it is on the record. If you can videotape the event on Facebook Live, or post to Facebook afterward, even better.

Q: Other organizations in my area have already planned events in my district during August Recess. Should I still plan something?

A: It’s up to you!

Many communities are big enough for multiple events, especially during the one time of year when members are back in their districts.

If you’d like to team up with a host of an event on resistancerecess.com, here’s how:

Look at the map of events on resistancerecess.com. See if there’s an event near you. Click on that event. RSVP to the event.

Once you RSVP, you can send a message to the event host, introducing yourself as a Resistance Summer MoveOn Mobilizer and offering to help out.

If you and the host agree to work together, ask them to promote you to a co-host, which they can do from their Host Dashboard.

If you’d like to team up with another local organization in your community that is already hosting an August Recess event, go for it! Just make sure you add that event to resistancerecess.com!

Q: What should I do if a member of the media shows up to one of my August Recess events?

A: That’s great! Media coverage helps to elevate our message and ensure that our voices are being heard by a wider audience.

Always bring the conversation back to the message, no matter what question is asked. Use phrases like, “What’s really important here is XX” or “I’m not sure about that, but what really matters today is XX.” You’re there to deliver a message, not answer questions.

Remember that you’re always on the record.

If on television or radio (not live), ask for do-overs. Just stop in the middle of your quote and say, “I’m going to say that again."

Q: My member of Congress has been doing a great job! What should I do during August Recess?

A: While we applaud them for standing up against Trumpcare, we need them to support a progressive solution to health care. Here is a guide on how to host a Medicare for All event. You can also encourage them to support other progressive policies. You can find more materials on specific progressive issues at resistancerecess.com.

Q: I don’t like speaking in public in front of crowds or at events. What can I do to participate in August Recess?

A: Attending events is incredibly important. The larger the crowd at any event, the more people, the media, and the member will take notice and the more power our voices will have. You can also reach out to anyone hosting an event near you and ask if you can help out in a less spotlighted role such as helping with set-up, sign-in, taking photos, or more.

Q: Can I attend August Recess events outside of my own congressional district?

A: We highly recommend you attend events hosted by or directed at your own member of Congress, whether that’s your representative or your U.S. Senator. It’s much more influential for a member of Congress to hear from their direct constituents.

Q: If someone protests our event or someone who attends the event is being hostile, what should we do?

A: Yes, you can rent a venue in your own name. You should not list MoveOn as a sponsor. MoveOn is unable to provide tax ID or insurance at this time.

Q: Is it okay to invite candidates for federal, state and/or local elections, including nonpartisan elections, to my event?

A: Please see previous answer under "July Canvass."

Trainings

Q: When and where are the MoveOn Resistance Summer training recordings, slideshows, and homework posted?

A: Right here: moveon.org/summertrainings. Bookmark that page so it’s easy to come back to. It may take a day or two to post training materials. Thanks for your patience, and check back if what you’re looking for isn’t there yet.

Q: I’m looking forward to the trainings! I RSVP’d for several trainings, but I don't remember which trainings I signed up for. How can I find out which trainings I signed up for?

A: So glad you are committed to the trainings! Right on! As a MoveOn Mobilizer, you are welcome to join any of the trainings, regardless of if you’ve RSVP’d or not. If you don’t remember which training sessions you RSVP’d for, that’s okay. You can check the dates and times of each training again here.

You can also RSVP again and we’ll update your RSVP—just click here. Be sure to write down your preferred dates and times on your calendar or other easy-to-find place. With 1,000 MoveOn Mobilizers, it’s important that you take responsibility for managing your time and keeping your own calendar—an important organizing skill!

Q: I’m looking forward to the trainings! I RSVP’d for several trainings, but now I need change which day I’m attending. How can I change my training RSVPs?

As a MoveOn Mobilizer, you are also welcome to join any of the trainings, regardless of whether you’ve RSVP’d or not.

The purpose of the RSVP is to help you plan ahead and to get a general count of the number of MoveOn Mobilizers joining each training. Each Zoom training can accommodate a maximum of 300 people. We are offering each training multiple times so that the capacity should never be a problem, and your RSVP helps the training team plan ahead, so thank you for RSVP'ing. It’s no problem at all for you to change your RSVP. It’s also no problem at all to attend any of the trainings.

Q: I am having problems with Zoom. Whom can I contact for support with Zoom?

A: Zoom has useful resources to learn how to effectively use the platform and to troubleshoot problems you may be experiencing:

A: Zoom is the training platform for MoveOn’s Resistance Summer trainings. All trainings will take place on Zoom. The training team surveyed many platforms and selected Zoom for its ease of use, compatibility for most users, end-to-end encryption, and engagement features. Audio recordings and slides will also be posted after each training at moveon.org/summertrainings.

Q: I love being in the live trainings with people all around the country, and I like Zoom. Can I use Zoom for my own organizing?

A: Zoom is one of many useful products organizers are using. You can use Zoom for free at https://zoom.us/.

Q: I missed this week’s trainings and would like to make it up. How do I do that?

A: Thanks for your commitment to make up this week’s trainings. Here’s how, in 3 steps:

To make up this week’s training, listen to the audio recording and review the slides posted at the MoveOn Resistance Summer training hub site, moveon.org/summertrainings.

Complete the homework assignment. The homework each week builds on that week’s training to help you apply the learning so that it sticks!

Security concerns before your event: If you have safety concerns about your event or task, please talk to your Cohort Facilitator about what makes sense moving forward for you. Every person and event is unique, so they are best equipped to guide you.

Security concerns during or after your event: If there is an immediate emergency and you need help, after calling the appropriate authorities such as 911, you should also call our MoveOn emergency number. This line is meant to be used for safety concerns only, not for last-minute logistical or technical questions.

To report a safety concern during an event, call 877-701-5887 and leave a message detailing your name, phone number, date, time & time zone, location (street address, city, state), and detailed explanation of your concern. Security concerns will be responded to immediately via phone with guidance on next steps. For security concerns not during events, reach out to summerops@moveon.org.

Stipends via Bill.com

Q: I’m having trouble with Bill.com. What do I do?

A: Please complete this form and our team will reach out within 72 hours. Please do not email your CF or anyone at MoveOn directly, as they will not be able to assist with your Bill.com questions.

Fundraising & Donations

Q: Can I charge an entrance fee to attend my event to help cover the costs?

A: No. MoveOn does not recruit for volunteer-organized events with a cover charge or entrance fee. We recognize that there can be hidden or assumed costs of volunteering—snacks, food, and beverages for events, phone minutes and internet fees, bus fare or gas for a car to get to and from meetings and events. That’s why MoveOn is making available a stipend of $150 per month for the three months of Resistance Summer, to help offset some of these hidden costs.

There are also lots of ways to keep costs low. Ask friends for help. Choose a potluck style for events, where each person brings a dish to share. You’ll find that most people want to help build the power of the Resistance. They’re just waiting for someone to ask!

Q: Is it okay to sell homemade progressive swag, Indivisible swag, or other items at my event?

A: It depends! Overall, these events are not designed as fundraisers. Fundraisers are important but require a different set of event organizing plans. Focus on the goal of your event. MoveOn is making available a monthly stipend of $150 per month for the three months of Resistance Summer to help offset some of the hidden costs of volunteers. If you choose to sell items anyway, you can do so for yourself. You should not sell items on behalf of MoveOn.org Civic Action or MoveOn.org Political Action. MoveOn does not in any way endorse the message of any items you choose to sell at your event.

A: No. Raffle laws vary greatly from state to state. MoveOn is unable to provide guidance on raffle laws and their application.

Q: What about passing the hat for a candidate?

A: MoveOn Resistance Summer’s events are nonpartisan events organized by volunteers of MoveOn.org Civic Action. Accordingly, since no candidates may campaign at the events or engage in campaign activity, no candidate may fundraise at the events either. Volunteers, including you as the host, are also prohibited from raising funds for a candidate at this event, as they are nonpartisan events.

Q: Can I ask local businesses to donate or discount food for our event?

A: Yes!

Communications

Q: I have not received emails since I accepted and confirmed my participation as a MoveOn Mobilizer. What do I do?

A: Email is the primary form of communication for Resistance Summer MoveOn Mobilizers, so let’s get this figured out! Follow these steps:

Know which email address you used when you completed the MoveOn Mobilizer acceptance form. That is the email you must use for all Resistance Summer activities to receive your stipend, consistent communications, and recognition for your accomplishments by your Cohort Facilitator.

Check all your folders – Spam, Trash, Promotions, Social. Use the search field in your email client to search for emails from “MoveOn.org Resistance Summer” or with subject line "[Resistance Summer]." Sometimes MoveOn emails go to unexpected folders!

After you’ve completed these steps, if you still can't find MoveOn Resistance Summer emails, please email summer-help@moveon.org and provide the following information: your first name, last name, and alternate spellings of your name; any email addresses you think you may have used to apply for or accept a spot with Resistance Summer; and your city, state, and ZIP Code. Volunteers and staff will do their best to sort it out!

In the meantime, make sure you're in the Facebook group, because we will also repost the weekly roundup there.

Q: What do I need to do to receive the Resistance Summer stipend?

A: In your weekly Resistance Summer MoveOn Mobilizer email on Friday, June 23, look for the Mobilizer Onboarding Survey to complete. This will have information about the stipend.

Want a sneak peek? If you complete the required Mobilizer Onboarding Survey and do not choose to decline the stipend, then on Wednesday, July 5 you will receive an email from Bill.com asking you to sign up for direct deposit to receive the stipend. The deadline to complete the Bill.com instructions is July 7 at 10 p.m. ET (9 CT/8 MT/7 PT). You will be invited to office hours between July 5-7 to answer any questions you may have about bill.com. If you complete the bill.com instructions between July 5 and 7, then on or before July 20 you’ll receive the first $150 stipend. The second stipend will be disbursed on August 18, and the third and final on September 8.

You must complete the expectations of Resistance Summer MoveOn Mobilizers in good faith in order to receive the stipend. The stipend is meant to help offset some of the often-hidden costs of volunteering time.

Q: Will I still get credit for my event if I used a different email address? What do I need to do?

A: Know which email address you used when you completed the MoveOn Mobilizer acceptance form. That is the email you must use for all Resistance Summer activities to receive your stipend, consistent communications, and recognition for your accomplishments by your Cohort Facilitator. Your Cohort Facilitator is responsible for approving your stipend based on your participation in the program. If you have concerns about getting credit, please make sure your Cohort Facilitator is aware of your activities via weekly journals and through your weekly cohort calls.

Q: Is there going to be a Slack team for Mobilizers?

A: There will not be a Slack team specific to Resistance Summer MoveOn Mobilizers. There is a Facebook group you can join here. In addition, there is a MoveOn Field Network Slack Team that includes Mobilizers and other MoveOn members organizing in their communities which you will be invited to when you sign up to host one of the monthly events. And your Cohort Facilitator and cohort-mates may also choose to set up communications tools including Slack, Facebook, and Listservs. We take safety, security, and privacy very seriously. Please be aware that none of these groups is considered confidential, and conduct yourself as a representative of the best progressive values.

Misc

Q: I just received a Resistance Summer T-shirt and a bunch of stickers. What do I do with them?

A: As of 7/5, materials have begun to be shipped out to Mobilizers on a rolling basis. The T-shirt is for you! You can use the stickers for your July canvass, but they are mostly for August Recess activities, so save them!

Q: What if my question wasn’t answered in this document?

A: If your question wasn't answered here, you can ask your Cohort Facilitator, or email summer-help@moveon.org and an awesome trained volunteer will help out!

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